KGF (film series) explained

Director:Prashanth Neel
Producer:Vijay Kiragandur
Narrator:
Cinematography:Bhuvan Gowda
Music:
Editing:
Studio:Hombale Films
Distributor:
Released:


Runtime:323 minutes (2 films)
Country:India
Language:Kannada
Budget:180 crore (2 films)
Gross: crore[1] [2]

KGF is an Indian Kannada language period action film series set mostly in the Kolar Gold Fields, which gives the series its name, created by Prashanth Neel and produced by Hombale Films starring Yash in lead role with an ensemble supporting cast.[3] Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the series follows two narrators, Anand Ingalangi and his son Vijayendra Ingalangi, who gives an interview of a book written by Anand to a leading news channel, which tells the life story of Raja Krishnappa Bairya alias Rocky (Yash), a Mumbai-based high ranking mercenary born in poverty and how he became the most dreaded person at that time.

The first installment, Chapter 1, was released on 21 December 2018 and became the highest grossing Kannada film at the time. The sequel Chapter 2 was released on 14 April 2022. The sequel broke several opening day records and also overtook its predecessor as the highest grossing Kannada film, the first Kannada film to gross ₹500 crores and ₹1000 crores. It also went on to become the fourth highest-grossing Indian film worldwide and also the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2022.[4] A sequel to Chapter 2 titled KGF: Chapter 3, teased in the second film, is in early development.[5]

Films

KGF: Chapter 1

See main article: KGF: Chapter 1.

Rocky, a high-ranking mercenary in Mumbai seeks power and wealth to fulfill his mother's promise. Due to his high fame, his bosses hire him to assassinate Garuda, the son of the founder of Kolar Gold Fields.

KGF: Chapter 2

See main article: KGF: Chapter 2.

After having assassinated Garuda, Rocky establishes himself as the kingpin of K.G.F. He now has to deal with ruthless foes: Garuda's uncle Adheera, who wants to take control of K.G.F, and Ramika Sen, the Prime Minister of India and his bosses Andrews, Rajendra Desai, Kamal, Shetty, Daya, and Guru Pandian.

Development

In March 2015, Yash signed for four projects which included one with Prashanth Neel.[6] The project was considered to be one of the most expensive film in Kannada cinema. Hombale Films, the production house led by Vijay Kiragandur, were announced to be bankrolling the project, and one of its production executives Karthik Gowda, stated that "KGF, which is set in the 70s, took a year and a half of pre-production, because they wanted to ensure they got every single detail right, be it the matchboxes, telephone, or the clothes people wore."[7] [8] Neel, stated that the film would be launched in April 2016, and the shooting would begin in May 2016.[8] Ravi Basrur was also hired for the project, while Bhuvan Gowda handled the cinematography.

In an interview with The Times of India, Prashanth Neel stated that he planned to split the film in two parts, as the narration of the story is in a non-linear format. He further stated "The scale of the project is huge and we had a scope for a beginning, an interval, and an end for both parts, so it made sense for us to release it as two parts".[9] [10]

In December 2020, during the making of its second installment, Neel denied rumours of a third installment in the KGF franchise, claiming that the story would conclude in its second part. However, at the end of the second film, it was hinted that the story would continue with a third part titled K.G.F: Chapter 3.[11] [12]

Casting

Yash grew his beard and long hair for his role as Rocky.[13] Yash's friend Ramachandra Raju was cast as Garuda after he was spotted by Neel.[14] [15] In January 2017, Srinidhi Shetty was cast alongside Yash.[16] Neel offered the role of Rocky's mother to newcomer Archana Jois, who was apprehensive at first to act as a mother despite being in her twenties but later accepted the role.[17] In August 2017, Vasishta N. Simha was cast to play a pivotal role in the film, where he played the role of Srinidhi's step-brother.[18] For the second part, Sanjay Dutt was roped in for a pivotal role in February 2019, marking his Kannada debut.[19]

On 29 July 2019,[20] Sanjay Dutt was revealed to be playing the role of the main antagonist Aditya.[21] [22] [23] Raveena Tandon was reported to play the role of Prime Minister Ramika Sen, and stated that "it was a difficult character to portray".[24]

Telugu actor Rao Ramesh was cast in a pivotal role in May 2019,[25] and Tamil actor Saran Shakthi was cast in August 2019.[26] On 26 August 2020, when the filming resumed, Prakash Raj was also revealed to be playing Anant Nag's son.[27]

Filming

In July 2016, the filmmakers kick-started a 15-day schedule in North Karnataka, without Yash, as the actor was shooting for Santhu Straight Forward (2016). The first schedule of the film took place on a huge set, which took more than 35–40 days to construct.[28] The film was slated to take off earlier that year, but was pushed back because of problems surrounding the Kalasa Banduri issue, which meant the team had to cancel its initial shoot schedule plans. The film's shooting then began on mid-January after completing the final stages of pre-production.[29] [30] The filmmakers erected huge sets at Badami, to recreate Kolar from the 1970–80s period, thereby filming extensively in the location.[31] In June, the project was 50 percent complete, and production had restarted after sets were rebuilt, following their destruction by heavy rains.[32] [33]

Some sequences of the movie, which has Yash and Srinidhi Shetty in the lead roles, were also shot at the centenary clock tower located next to the University of Mysore campus.[34] Yash entered the final schedule of the film in April 2018.[35] As of May 2018, the filmmakers completed major portions of the film, except one song.[36] On 9 August 2018, Tamannaah was hired for a song number,[37] thus marking her second film appearance in Kannada, after Jaguar (2016).[38] On 17 August 2018, the filmmakers announced that shooting of the film had wrapped,[39] although another song shoot for the film's Hindi version, featuring Yash and Mouni Roy,[40] took place at the Goregaon Studio on December.[41]

Filming for K.G.F: Chapter 2 started on 13 March 2019 in Hyderabad, with a formal puja ceremony.[42] [43] After an initial round of filming near Bangalore in May 2019,[44] Yash announced that he will join the sets only in June 2019.[45] The shoot at Cyanide Hills in Kolar Gold Fields was interrupted by a complaint from N Srinivas, president of the KGF's National Citizens Party who filed a petition against the makers and alleged that the film is being shot in a cyanide grounds area [46] In September 2019, the makers started shooting for the second schedule in Hyderabad where Sanjay Dutt joined the sets of the film in Hyderabad.[47] [48] [49] [50] After a court stay order on 27 September, the makers returned to shoot the film at Kolar.[51] [52] In October 2019, the makers returned to Karnataka, after filming the extensive schedule in Hyderabad.[53]

In January 2020, the makers completed 80% of the shoot.[54] With the schedule being filmed in Mysore, the last leg of shoot was expected to be held in Hyderabad, and then in Bangalore and Kolar.[55] In February 2020, Telugu actor Rao Ramesh joined the sets of the film.[56] Raveena Tandon joined the sets of the film in Mysore on 12 February.[57] [58] The makers completed major portions in March 2020, with post-production works being kickstarted, but filming came to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India.[59] Prashanth Neel claimed that Sanjay Dutt had completed shooting for the film, with only dubbing for his portions, is pending,[60] after Sanjay Dutt was diagnosed with lung cancer, and left US for immediate treatment on 12 August 2020.[61]

The film was resumed in August 2020 at Bangalore post a gap of 5 months.[62] Malavika Avinash and Prakash Raj joined the sets on this schedule.[63] [64] On 7 October 2020, Yash and Srinidhi Shetty resumed the shoot at Mangalore,[65] with the team entering the final leg of shoot.[66] Sanjay Dutt confirmed that he will join the shooting of the film on November,[67] although he resumed the shooting only in December.[68] The climax action scenes were filmed in December 2020 at Hyderabad.[69] [70] [71]

Cast and Crew

Cast

CharacterFilms
(2018) (2022)
Raja Krishnappa Bairya "Rocky"(Rocky Bhai)Yash
Reena DesaiSrinidhi Shetty
GarudaRamachandra RajuRamachandra Raju
AdheeraSanjay Dutt
Ramika SenRaveena Tandon
KamalVasishta N. SimhaVasishta N. Simha
Anand InagalgiAnant NagAnant Nag
Ashok Sharma
ShanthammaArchana Jois
Deepa HegdeMalavika Avinash
SrinivasT. S. Nagabharana
Guru PandianAchyuth Kumar
VanaramAyyappa P. Sharma
Vijayendra InagalgiPrakash Raj
Kanneganti RaghavanRao Ramesh
SuryavardhanRamesh IndiraRamesh Indira
AndrewsB. S. Avinash
DayaTarak Ponnappa
Rajendra DesaiLakki Lakshman
Inayat KhalilBalakrishnaBalakrishna

Crew

OccupationFilm
(2018) (2022)
DirectorPrashanth Neel
ProducerVijay Kiragandur
WriterPrashanth Neel
DialoguesPrashant Neel, M. Chandramouli, Dr. Suri and Vinay Shivangi
CinematographyBhuvan Gowda
EditorSrikanth GowdaUjwal Kulkarni
MusicRavi Basrur, Tanishk Bagchi (one song)Ravi Basrur

Box office

FilmRelease dateBudgetBox office revenue
21 December 2018[72] [73] [74]
14 April 2022[75] [76] - [77] [78]
Total -

Future

In January 2023, Vijay Kiragandur stated in an interview that K.G.F Chapter 3 might start filming only in 2025 for a release in 2026 due to Prashanth Neel's commitments with Salaar and a film with Jr. N.T.R. He also added that another actor might play the role of Rocky in the future replacing Yash, akin to the James Bond franchise. Kirangandur also added "Going forward, we are going to create a Marvel kind of universe. We want to bring different characters from different movies and create something like Doctor Strange." On 14 April 2023, K.G.F Chapter 3 was confirmed with a hint video from the production company which is expected to release in 2025. [79]

On 6 December 2023, Prashanth Neel confirmed that the script for the third installment is ready.[80]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: KGF Chapter 2 Closing Collections : యశ్ కేజీఎఫ్ ఛాప్టర్ 2 క్లోజింగ్ కలెక్షన్స్.. ఎన్ని వందల కోట్ల లాభం అంటే .
  2. Web site: Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 makes multiple records in Canada . 2022-05-29 . Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd . en.
  3. News: The story of KGF is fresh and special for Indian cinema: Yash . 2022-09-12 . The New Indian Express . Shilajit . Mitra . 5 December 2018 .
  4. Web site: Divya Bhonsale . Exclusive: Blockbuster KGF makers all set to enter Bollywood . Newsable.asianetnews.com . 2022-06-26.
  5. News: 2023-01-10 . 'KGF: Chapter 3' to go on floors in 2025, maker hints Yash may be replaced . The Economic Times . 2023-02-07 . 0013-0389.
  6. Web site: Yash has signed four films - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India.
  7. Web site: Yash turns script doctor for his films - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  8. Web site: Yash to shoot for most expensive film in July - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  9. Web site: Yash's 'KGF' is about a gangster's rise and fall - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  10. Web site: KGF was always meant to be a Kannada film with Yash - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  11. Web site: Hungama . Bollywood . 2022-04-14 . EXCLUSIVE: Yash starrer KGF – Chapter 2 reveals hint of follow up Chapter 3 in post-credit scene: Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama . . 2022-04-17 . en.
  12. Web site: 2022-04-14 . Prashanth Neel on KGF 3: 'If people love it, we could continue the franchise' . 2022-04-17 . Hindustan Times . en.
  13. Web site: Is Yash growing his hair for KGF? - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  14. Web site: How KGF changed the life of Yash's bodyguard to make him a busy bee in films. Johnson. David. IB Times. 23 January 2020.
  15. News: Meet Ramachandra Raju, the 'KGF' villain. The Hindu. 28 July 2020. Shilpa . Sebastian R..
  16. Web site: Hot pairs to look forward to in 2017 - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  17. News: Anandraj . Shilpa . 21 October 2021 . 'Rocky Bhai's mother' Archana Jois: The 'KGF' star looks forward to more content-based films . The Hindu . live . 16 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211025191127/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/archana-jois-look-forward-to-more-content-based-films/article37107206.ece . 25 October 2021.
  18. Web site: Sunayana Suresh . 28 August 2017 . Vasishta N Simha bags a pivotal role in KGF . 24 November 2018 . timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
  19. Web site: Sanjay Dutt roped in for KGF Chapter 2? . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  20. Web site: 'KGF' Adheera first look released, Sanjay Dutt plays the role . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  21. Web site: Sanjay Dutt's look as Adheera in KGF 2 unveiled . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  22. Web site: Is Sanjay Dutt Adheera in Yash's KGF: Chapter 2? . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  23. Web site: Sanjay Dutt confirms he is part of K.G.F: Chapter 2, shares first look on his birthday . Mumbai Mirror.
  24. Web site: Exclusive! It was a difficult character to portray: Raveena Tandon on playing a Prime Minister in Yash's 'KGF: Chapter 2' . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  25. Web site: Versatile actor Rao Ramesh lands a pivotal role in 'KGF: Chapter 2' . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  26. Web site: Tamil actor Saran to play the lead in 'KGF: Chapter 2' . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  27. Web site: 26 August 2020 . 'KGF: Chapter 2' shoot resumes; Prakash Raj joins exciting cast . 8 January 2021 . DNA India . en.
  28. Web site: Yash's movie to begin, but without him! - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  29. Web site: Yash's most expensive film is ready to roll - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  30. News: 15 January 2017 . Yash-starrer KGF starts as per schedule . The New Indian Express . 25 December 2018.
  31. Web site: KGF to be shot in Badami - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  32. News: Sharadhaa . A . 25 June 2017 . Storm or shine, Rocking star Yash's KGF stays on schedule . The New Indian Express . 30 June 2017.
  33. Web site: KGF shoot continues despite heavy rains - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  34. Web site: KGF team gives heritage structure Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion a facelift - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  35. Web site: Yash heads to final schedule of KGF - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  36. Web site: Yash completes shoot for KGF; starts dubbing for it - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  37. Web site: Tamannah Bhatia to make a return to Kannada cinema with a special appearance in 'KGF' - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  38. Web site: Tamannaah sizzles with Yash in a recreated classic in KGF - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  39. Web site: Yash wraps up work on director Prashant Neel's 'KGF' - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  40. Web site: Mouni Roy roped in for a special song in Yash starrer 'KGF' - Times of India . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  41. Web site: Pictures: Mouni Roy and Yash wrap shoot of their song in 'KGF' - Times of India ► . 2021-01-09 . The Times of India . en.
  42. Web site: KGF – Chapter 2 kickstarts with divine blessings . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  43. Web site: Aditya . Kadam . 2022-03-23 . K.G.F: Chapter 2: Release Date, Songs, Cast KGF Chapter 2 trailer to come out on March 27 . 2022-03-23 . A Stars Untold . en-US.
  44. Web site: 'KGF' star Yash kick-starts the shooting of chapter 2 . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  45. Web site: 'KGF Chapter 2': Actor Yash to kick-start shooting for the film from June . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  46. Web site: JMFC court issues notice to 'KGF: Chapter 2' producer . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  47. Web site: KGF Chapter 2 shooting resumed in Hyderabad . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  48. Web site: 'KGF' shooting shifts to Hyderabad . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  49. Web site: Sanjay Dutt begins shoot for KGF Chapter 2 . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  50. Web site: Photo: Sanjay Dutt joins 'KGF: Chapter 2' shooting . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  51. Web site: Team 'KGF: Chapter 2' returns to shoot on cyanide mound . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  52. Web site: KGF team wins case against the stay on shooting at Cyanide Hills . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  53. Web site: Team KGF heads back to Karnataka for shoot . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  54. Web site: KGF Chapter 2 races towards finish line . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  55. Web site: 'KGF: Chapter 2' last stage shooting to take off in Hyderabad . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  56. Web site: Versatile actor Rao Ramesh joins the ensemble star cast of KGF 2 . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  57. Web site: Yash welcomes Raveena Tandon to Mysuru . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  58. Web site: Raveena Tandon wrap ups the 'KGF: Chapter 2' shoot; shares a happy picture with the crew members! . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  59. Web site: KGF: Chapter 2 shoot almost complete . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  60. Web site: Sanjay Dutt's nearly finished shooting for KGF: Chapter 2; only dubbing is left . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  61. Web site: Sanjay Dutt diagnosed with lung cancer; to fly to the US for immediate treatment . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  62. Web site: KGF2 in April 2020? . Bangalore Mirror.
  63. Web site: Malavika Avinash begins shoot for KGF: Chapter 2 . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  64. Web site: Prakash Raj joins the set of the Yash-starrer KGF: Chapter 2, as shooting resumes . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  65. Web site: Rocky Bhai is back: Yash resumes shooting for KGF: Chapter 2 . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  66. Web site: KGF Chapter 2: Rocky Bhai Yash joins final leg of shoot from today . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  67. Web site: Sanjay Dutt confirms he shoots for KGF Chapter 2 in November . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  68. Web site: Sanjay Dutt to resume shooting for KGF: Chapter 2 as Adheera in December . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  69. Web site: 7 December 2020 . KGF Chapter 2: Prashanth Neel Starts Filming Climax Scene Between Yash & Sanjay Dutt; See Photo . Filmibeat.
  70. Web site: Exclusive! 'K.G.F: Chapter 2': Yash is all set to start the final leg of the shoot; read details . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  71. Web site: Team KGF completes Hyderabad schedule . 9 January 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  72. Web site: 'KGF' release postponed to December - Times of India . 2022-04-17 . The Times of India . en.
  73. Web site: 2019-01-17 . KGF Box Office collection: Record! 1st Kannada movie to release in Pakistan; earns whopping Rs 200 cr worldwide . 2022-04-17 . Zee Business.
  74. Web site: Yash reveals he has approached Sanjay Dutt for KGF Chapter 2 . 2022-04-17 . India Today . en.
  75. Web site: 2021-08-23 . KGF 2 to release in theatres on this date, Yash-Sanjay Dutt hype up the much-anticipated action film . 2022-04-17 . The Indian Express . en.
  76. News: January 20, 2021 . Yash rocking star Upcoming Movies 2021, Release Date, Trailer and Budget . 2022-04-17 . India Today . en.
  77. Web site: KGF Chapter 2 Closing Collections : యశ్ కేజీఎఫ్ ఛాప్టర్ 2 క్లోజింగ్ కలెక్షన్స్.. ఎన్ని వందల కోట్ల లాభం అంటే.. . 2022-06-12 . News18 Telugu . te.
  78. Web site: Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 makes multiple records in Canada . 2022-05-29 . Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd . en.
  79. Web site: KGF Chapter 3 confirmed with new video as KGF 2 clocks one year; Hombale Films hint at storyline; watch . 2023-04-14 . odishatv.in.
  80. Web site: Prashanth Neel confirms 'KGF 3' with Yash, says 'script is ready' . 2024-03-05 . India Today . en.